Why it Matters
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on Nov. 10 for 10 State Department nominees. The committee, chaired by Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), heard nominees for ambassadorships including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Ecuador, plus the ambassador at large for international religious freedom.
What They're Saying
During the discussions, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told State Department nominee Devin Kennington that his confirmation for ambassador to Somalia "depends on the State Department following the President's guidance" on Somaliland.
Cruz asked Kennington what obstacles block U.S. recognition of Somaliland. Kennington said current policy recognizes Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, "which includes the region of Somaliland." Pressed again, he said "I'm not in a position to answer that."Cruz responded: "I think the State Department should follow the President's guidance."
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) questioned Wesley Hunt, nominee for Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Department of State, on his past remarks about Islam that have been criticized by civil rights groups. Hunt said "there certainly is a faction to where that is absolutely correct," and added, "I think I was actually condemning the extremist."
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) pressed Jane Lynch, nominee for Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, Department of State, on LGBTQ protections. Lynch said "I would never be able to support something where it's criminalizing people" over sexual identity. Shaheen told Lynch "there has not been a report produced in the last two years" of this administration, in a discussion of the overdue International Religious Freedom reports.
The Bottom Line
Republicans want confirmations before January, when Democrats could slow or reject controversial nominees in the next Congress. No committee vote or follow-up hearing has been scheduled to date, and committee consideration of the 10 nominations remains pending.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article
